Scar Tissue Book Review

Anthony Kiedis's Scar Tissue absorbed me with entertaining adventure and frighting tales of near death experiences. Assuming the position of a Red Hot Chili Pepper fan the book is very captivating, however if this is not the case the book can be overwhelming and grotesque.

In 1983 The Red Hot Chili Peppers busted out of the punk rock scene in L.A., the band's singer/front man, Anthony Kiedis has been there for the whole roller coaster ride, all together the band has been together for over 2 decades and 9 albums, quite a feat by today's standards. The Chili Peppers were the first band to combine Punk Rock and Funk and their music seems to fill people with emotion, good or bad. The most important element in their journey to success was their unusual shows. Originally they would tie socks on their privates and go out on stage naked, but they were also known to dress up randomly, such as rabbis or light bulbs. However this story includes more then music, Anthony heavily indulges in drugs of all kinds and backgrounds and occasionally going to great lengths to supply his "needs" . His father, dubbed "Spider", at one time was the most prestigious drug dealer in L.A., he had sold drugs to bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who who regularly stopped by to see him. This meant that Kiedis was constantly exposed to these activities at a fairly young age. "I had only been in L.A. for a day or two and I was on my way to doing almost everything imaginable in that kitchen. Palm Avenue West Hollywood. 1973" If the discussion of illegal activities is not pleasing do not read this book!



The Characters truly make the book lively and energetic. Flea, the band's bassists, was nicknamed by Kiedis because of his jumpy, peppy personality. These two were together almost to much, as they went on skiing trips (it was on one of these adventures that the nickname Flea was bestowed), skateboarding around Hollywood, or back to Michigan, where Kiedis was born. John, the band's guitarist, and Flea had a deep musical attachment, this proves useful when the band spontaneously "jams". One knows what the other plans to play before the other does! The most amazing circumstance was that the whole band each had a deep friendship and understanding of each other, and it's this camaraderie that makes the book so spectacular.

This book is about a rock star and his band so it does occasionally contain explicit materials, however the book is exponentially captivating and refreshing. Again assuming the position of a Red Hot Chili Pepper fan the book is absorbing however if this is not the case the book can be overwhelming and grotesque.

465 Pages-3 books